This activity allows visualizing connections and origins within a group by creating a human world map. By positioning themselves according to their geographical roots, participants discover unexpected connections, strengthen collective cohesion, and share their identities in an egalitarian framework.
Identifying what already connects people to strengthen a group
Within a group, it is always beneficial to foster connections between individuals and to identify our personal and mutual identities. Doing this in various ways and on different levels strengthens these bonds, which benefits the group’s dynamics. Indeed, the quality of work is closely tied to the quality of lived experiences and interactions with others.
This geographical activity requires a relatively large space where participants can move around to symbolize a world map. Each person is asked to position themselves in the place their ancestors come from. Since ancestors may come from several different places, participants question themselves, move from one point to another, or even stretch themselves wide! Some remain fixed, and starting from this positioning in space—where each person occupies a place on the world map—an exchange can begin. From their spot, participants share their genealogical origins with others.
Discoveries and surprises abound, and unexpected connections between people emerge.
Stakes of personal geography
This activity centered around the connection to one’s geographical origin seems simple but actually mobilizes numerous stakes: spatial representation, the physical awareness of diversity (obvious but symbolized by the positions of individuals in space), and the discovery of others in ways one was unaware of. It allows for exchanges based on a geographical subject, which opens up other issues of place and power.
The discussion and exchange are informal, joyful, and unexpected. Participants feel validated, learn things about themselves and others, and sometimes discover close geographical ties with people they didn’t know or felt distant from on other levels.
This activity allows for a step back from something that might seem anecdotal at first but actually touches on each person’s identity. These identities, not always easy to embrace, are validated here in a collective space where true equality reigns.
